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Android users can set up a virtual remote on their smartphone if the physical remote for their Android TV/Google TV is missing or spoilt.
There are many streaming devices available on the market, and while they differ in terms of design, specifications, and even the software they run, a common feature they have is a remote control. Unfortunately, this input device can get damaged or lost in between the crevices of a sofa. Thankfully, Android TV or Google TV streaming devices have a feature that allows a phone to be used as a virtual remote as an alternative to the physical one.
At Google I/O 2021, Google announced a new Android TV remote that will be built into the Google TV app and Google Home app. The new remote replaces the old Android TV remote app that has been in use for years as it is built into existing apps a user already has instead of being a standalone app.
There are multiple ways to turn a smartphone into a virtual remote. One method involves using the Google Home app, while the other requires the Google TV app (a.k.a. Google Play Movies & TV). Depending on the region a user resides in, only the former may be available. Apart from having the Google Home or Google TV app, another requirement Google mentions is an Android phone or tablet as the feature is yet to be available for iOS. Those who own the Google Home app can set up their Android device as a virtual remote by launching the Home app and choosing their Android TV or Google TV device from the list of devices. A button labeled ‘Open remote’ should be visible at the bottom of the screen. Tap it, and it should prompt an alphanumeric code to appear on the TV screen. Enter the code onto the device to complete the pairing process with the TV.
Using The Google TV App
For those who have the Google TV app, launch the app and tap the ‘TV remote’ button at the bottom of the screen. Choose to scan for devices and select the Android TV or Google TV device you wish to control. Next, pair the phone with the device by entering the code that appears on the TV. After pairing, the phone can now be used as a virtual remote. The virtual remote interface is practically identical on both apps. There is a swipe panel with a button in the center for navigation, although users can use a D-pad instead. To do this, tap the overflow button (three dots at the top corner) and select ‘D-pad control.’ It will replace the swipe panel with a D-pad similar to the one on the physical remote.
The virtual remote also has a return key, home key and a Google Assistant button. To use the Google Assistant button, permission to use the phone’s microphone will need to be granted. There is also a mute button and volume control buttons. Finally, users with Gboard installed as their keyboard will be able to use it to enter text input instead of the painfully slow process of using the on-screen keyboard that appears on the TV.
Source: Google
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